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A comprehensive index of information about "Michigan the Great Bays State" Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice - If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you! |
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Benton Harbor, Michigan - 49022
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Benton Harbor was originally know as Brunson Harbor. In 1863 the name was given in honor of Sterne Brunson, one of the first founders of the area along with Henry Morton and Charles Hull. The three were instrumental in creating a market for the farmers from the area now known as St. Joseph, on the east side of the St. Joseph River. The three men were the driving force behind the creation of a mile-long ship canal linking the St. Joseph River to the bluffs of Brunson Harbor. The settlement prospered and was incorporated as a village in 1866. In 1865 the settlement's name was changed to Benton Harbor in honor of Thomas Hart Benton. Mr. Benton was the Missouri senator who helped Michigan's plea for statehood. Benton Harbor was incorporated as a city in 1891. Bungtown, Flea Town and Sand Town were some of the original nicknames given to the community. Bungtown was the name that stuck because of the settlement's first factory. The factory made the wooden corks for barrels called bungs. |
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Photos courtesy of: Ken Huisjen
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